Neale had worked for IPC for more than 28 years, joining in 1983 as a clerk in the classified department.

She was promoted to a number of management roles within the team, culminating in her appointment as classified ad director in 1999.

That role was later expanded when she took additional responsibility for Innovator, the inserts and direct response division. IPC described her as "a highly respected and dedicated member" of both the IPC Inspire board and the IPC Advertising board.

Paul Williams, managing director of IPC's men's magazine division Inspire, to whom Neale reported, said: "Cathy was a truly inspirational person, both as a leader to her staff in Classified and Innovator, and to her colleagues across IPC.

"She was incredibly supportive and proud of her team and took the greatest joy from celebrating their individual and team successes. That was Cathy – never selfish, always driving for the best for the company, but most importantly, for her people.

"She will be sadly missed and our deepest sympathies and all our thoughts at this time go to her husband Colin and her family."

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